The year 2020 was one of the most memorable in history, as the entire world suffered the effects of the global pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus. Professional sports were suspended, mask-wearing became mandatory, and people everywhere were confined to their homes.
The NBA suspended its season on March 11, 2020, leaving some uncertainty among its players. In June, the NBA approved its plan to resume the season at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, inviting all 22 teams that were six games out of a playoff spot when the season was suspended.
The Los Angeles Lakers were the last team standing after beating the Miami Heat in six games to add their franchise’s 17th title. The 2020 Lakers were a force to be reckoned with, dominating their Western Conference opponents en route to a title.
The former Laker, now a member of the Washington Wizards, spoke with Nicole Ganglani of SB Nation to reflect on his stay in Los Angeles.
“Everything: how to be a pro. How to motivate people, how to work, how to be a businessman, so many things. And I think that was one of the most important times in my life: to step back and really observe and learn. And I think everything I did then, I do now, and I try to pass it on to others.”
I asked @kylekuzma Today, what are some of the best things he learned from LeBron James and Anthony Davis during his tenure with the Lakers.
Kuzma: “I think it was one of the most important periods of my life.” pic.twitter.com/od14d3jCZN
— Nicole Ganglani (@nicoleganglani) August 26, 2024
When the Lakers decided to blow up their young core in order to bring in All-NBA power forward Anthony Davis, Kuzma was the player management chose to protect. During his time as a member of the purple and gold Lakers, the Swiss Army knife forward shined alongside LeBron James and Davis.
In order to fit in with the two Hall of Famers, Kuzma adjusted his game to become a jack-of-all-trades. That versatility earned the former Utah Ute a massive payday with the Washington Wizards. After signing a three-year, $40 million contract extension with the Lakers in 2020, Kuzma was traded to Washington as part of a 2021 deal that sent Russell Westbrook to Los Angeles. LA traded Westbrook the following year.
Now at the helm of the Wizards, Kuzma recently signed a four-year, $102 million extension. The experience he gained during his time with the Lakers will likely come in handy as Kuzma is expected to be the centerpiece of a young Wizards team built around himself, Jordan Poole and recent second-overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, Alex Sarr.
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